Aug 4, 2015 5 min read

LATROBE – The wide receiver position was considered one of the strongest for the Steelers heading into training camp at Saint Vincent College.

But a little more than a week into camp, the position has become thinner than a fashion model as injuries have taken Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant and now rookie Eli Rogers out of action.

One man’s loss can be another’s gain, at least the way Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks at it.

“We’ve talked openly all offseason about the level of physical conditioning needed, not only in terms of allowing you to stay on the field, but to take advantage of the opportunities that this process presents,” Tomlin said. “People are going to miss time, and young guys who want an opportunity to state their case are going to get extra opportunities to do so. More than anything, I focus on that, the opportunity that guys get significant extra reps when people are down.”

With Wheaton and Bryant, two of the Steelers’ top three receivers, out with a hamstring and elbow injury, respectively, Rogers seemed to be reaping the most benefits. An undrafted rookie out of Louisville, he had been seeing time as a slot receiver, paired with All-Pro Antonio Brown and veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey.

But Rogers suffered a sprained foot in Monday’s practice, allowing C.J. Goodwin to move into his spot.

Goodwin, who was a basketball player at Bethany College before playing football at Fairmont State then California University, spent the 2014 season on the Steelers’ practice squad.

The coaching staff has thrown more on his plate in this training camp, moving the 6-3, 190-pound Goodwin from the outside to a slot receiver position while also trying him out as a kick returner.

“It’s a lot different. I’ve never been in the slot before, but I’m adjusting to it,” said Goodwin, a Wheeling native who spent time working as a counselor at the Mel Blount Youth Home in Claysville.

“It gives me more reps, so it gives me confidence. That’s what Coach Tomlin told me, ‘We’re going to see what will happen.’ So if I make plays, who knows?”

The injuries also have meant more time for Heyward-Bey and rookie Sammie Coates, a third-round draft pick who is working strictly as an outside receiver. Rookies Shakim Phillips and Devin Gardner, a quarterback at Michigan, are waiting in the wings.

“We’re thin right now there. They’re sucking wind and getting a real feel of adversity,” said offensive coordinator Todd Haley. “That’s really a big part of this, seeing how guys can handle that adversity, whether it’s a guy who goes down with an injury and has to fight back, or guys who have to be out there getting a lot of reps, or playing a new position. It starts to take a toll. We’ll be evaluating all the time, seeing the guys who can handle it and fight through it and the guys who can’t.”

Wheaton isn’t expected to miss much more time, and Bryant will likely be out until at least the start of next week. Both of their spots are assured on the roster, as is that of Brown and, most likely, Coates. That leaves the remaining guys fighting for one or possibly two roster spots.

Heyward-Bey, a seven-year veteran who was the seventh pick in the 2009 draft by Oakland, would seem to have the inside track despite catching just three passes for the Steelers last season.

He’s had a solid camp, making a number of what Tomlin called “contested catches,” and offers a veteran presence on the bench.

“He understands his role, at least last year, whether it was special teams, where we were using him in what packages,” Haley said. “He’s the same guy every day. You always know where he’s going to be, whether it’s warm-ups, individual, his attitude, his energy. He’s an upbeat guy, an energy bringer. That’s a great guy to learn from for these young guys.”

But solid play in the preseason games, which begin Sunday in the Hall of Fame Game against Minnesota, could force the coaching staff to make some tough choices.

Goodwin looks forward to showing what he can do in a game situation.

“I’m very excited. I didn’t get a chance to play last year, so I’m anxious. I’m nervous, excited,” he said. “But I’ll be ready by then.

“(The game) is much slower this year. I’m way more confident. Whatever happens, happens. I just appreciate the opportunity.”

Odds and end zones

After having Tuesday off, the Steelers will return to practice today at Saint Vincent College (2:55 p.m.). The session is open to the public. … The team released its first depth chart on Tuesday. Cornerback Brandon Boykin, acquired in a trade with Philadelphia Saturday for a conditional fifth-round draft choice, is listed as second at right cornerback behind Cortez Allen. … The Steelers will decide next week whether cornerback Senquez Golson, the team’s second-round draft pick who is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a shoulder injury, needs to have surgery that could end his season.